Appeal judge Lord Justice Pitchford said the sentences had to reflect that McDonagh, a professional burglar on licence at the time, had committed offences which were "close to the the top of the scale of seriousness" for conspiracy to burgle, while Connors was his assistant.

He said the only mitigation for the pair was a lack of violence and their early guilty pleas, but there was no doubt the physical dominance they displayed over their victims resulted in them being cowed and frightened.

Speaking after the hearing, Solicitor General Oliver Heald, who referred the case to the Court of Appeal, said it had been a "terrible case of 'daylight robbery' in the homes of elderly victims".

He said: "I was dismayed that these burglaries took place when some of the victims were present, and they were forced to watch helplessly as these men took money and valuables including wedding and engagement rings from them."